Sorry for the gimmick-y title.
However, there is nothing gimmicky about what’s going on in the northeastern United States and parts of the Caribbean right now. Thousands of people have lost everything—their homes, their livelihoods, members of their family…
Today’s post is a reminder that there are more important things in life than chocolate.
This time, I’m not joking.
The victims of Hurricane Sandy are currently in desperate need of food, clothing, water, and medical supplies. Many are stuck in shelters, not knowing when they’ll be allowed to return home- or if their homes even still exist. To raise as much money as possible, my first thought was to host a giveaway, where you’d make a donation for an entry. But a lot of you probably already have made a donation, especially since a few other bloggers have already hosted donation giveaways.
How you can help:
EDIT: I really did have the best of intentions with my initial idea. Getting the advertisers to help with the fundraiser was, I thought, a brilliant way to raise the most money possible, since big companies have much more money to give than individual blog readers. I’d initially hoped to raise at least $2000, then match that number myself, and also ask if any companies would match it.
But then I started getting hate mail. A lot of hate mail. And hateful comments on the post. Hateful comments from people who were doing nothing, themselves, to help raise money, yet who had no problem criticizing the efforts of someone who really did want to help. My idea was not meant to be a publicity stunt or to get me more page views, and it’s really disgusting that anyone would think that. Some of my own relatives and friends lost a lot more than their electricity to this storm. (Both my parents grew up in one of the hardest-hit areas of New York, and many of our relatives still live there.)
I’m taking down the entire idea, not to give in to the haters; but because this was supposed to be an idea that would help, and it just seems to be doing more harm (and engendering more hatred) than good. (There are a few other reasons–things I didn’t initially think about–such as the fact that I’d rather send money now than wait until December.)
I’m making a private donation to the Red Cross, and I hope you all will do the same.
Katie…great idea. Ignore the negatives! Clicking away!!!
I was about to send this post to my homeschool association as a fun and meaningful activity for the kids to engage in, but then it dawned on me, could you get in trouble for this? I know on my own blog I was ‘fired’ from monotizing after a few short months because apparently an over zealous family member was clicking on ads just once too often (they track the amount of clicks made per person). I was banned from monotizing *forever* without trial or judge. It was a harsh conviction, especially as I had nothing to do with it (and only $30 was raised by the intrepid clicker anyway). This was with google ads though.
Any concern about getting in to trouble in this way? If not, I’ll spread the news!
🙂 Lola
Sorry for the delayed reply! I didn’t have a problem with the advertisers, but unfortunately I had to cancel the whole thing anyway. (Post edited.) I am so sorry about it; I really wanted it to work.
Hi Katie,
I just recently found your blog and I love it. Can’t wait to try some of the recipes that caught my eye. I’m a guy …I hope we’re allowed here:)
I think what you’re doing to help the victims of Hurricane Sandy is great and highly commendable.
The potential problem ….have you checked the TOS with your advertisers? I run a couple of websites and with everyone that I am aware of, I am forbidden to do anything to artificially inflate clicks or page views. To actually ask people to click so you will make more money is definitely against all the advertisers TOS that I know of.
Again, I love what you do and don’t want to come off as a hater. I would just hate to see you lose what you thought you had coming to you. I really urge you to check into it.
Thanks, Katie. I love what you do. Oh, and you are fantastically good looking. I wish I knew you in person. (Did that sound creepy? …I’m a good guy.)
Thanks! I actually didn’t have a problem with my advertisers; I actually did one of these in the past (and raised a lot of money for charity, although my blog was much smaller then). Unfortunately, I had to cancel the whole thing anyway (post edited as to why). It’s really unfortunate, because I had high hopes for the idea.
This is a lovely way to help. Thank you for your sweetness. My love & prayers go out to all those affected by Hurricane Sandy!
What a wonderful idea! I applaud it.
This is amazing Katie! What a great idea to help those in need. I love your blog anyways, and this gives me an extra reason to promote you too all of my friends.
Keep up the good work! 🙂
I emailed you but wanted to comment here too – thank you for your amazing loving heart, Katie. It is felt and appreciated. There should be more people in this world like you. <3
Also, in light of my stubbornly persisting Sandy anxiety, it is a comfort to know that I can come home at night, click around on your site and help at the same time. I like that my clicks will be purposeful and driven! 🙂
Great idea!! Already posted in a status and spreading the word.
This is so sweet. I’ll definitely make sure to click around more than normal this month! Thanks for your kindness! 🙂